The Laboratory of Interfacial & Small Scale Transport {LIS²T} at the California Institute of Technology is announcing multiple research openings for Caltech Graduate Students interested in the general area of nonlinear dynamics pertaining to micro/nanoscale systems. For current projects, preference will be given to applicants with a strong background in Mathematical Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Applied Physics or Computational and Applied Mathematics. Positions will remain open until filled. We are seeking highly motivated and creative individuals with strong academic credentials who genuinely relish intellectual challenges. Applicants must demonstrate strong motivation and work ethic, excellent organizational and writing skills, and an ability to complete tasks on time. They must also demonstrate excellent oral and interpersonal skills, clear and tactful communication, and strong interest in advanced academic research.
 
Project headers in purple signify current offerings of highest priority.
 

Theoretical and Computational Studies of High-Order Nonlinear PDEs Involving Moving Boundary Problems in Hydrodynamic Systems

• Seeking Caltech graduate students with experience and/or demonstrated interest in theoretical modeling and analysis of high-order nonlinear partial differential equations. Projects involve eludication of physics responsible for evolution of highly curved interfaces relevant to microscale and nanoscale free surface flows. Moving interfaces subject to initial homogeneous or patterned surface force fields are prone to complex waveforms and interactions, instabilities leading to self-similar growth, rapid evolution of singularities involving caustics or cusp formation and more. Some of the systems under study pertain to in-house development of novel lithographic techniques for remote patterning of nanofilms to generate micro-optical arrays and structured films for biomimetic applications.
   
  Those interested in computational work can either choose to focus on (continuum level) finite element simulations or discrete particle based schemes using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. For problems involving moving free surfaces characterized by significant boundary curvature, a strong interest in differential geometry may also be helpful. For the majority of theoretical problems under investigtion, the student is expected to demonstrate fluency or strong interest in learning how to utilize analytic tools such as symmetry methods for investigating partial differential equations, matched asymptotic analysis for systems involving disparate space or time scales, linear stability theory involving normal and non-normal operators, bifurcation analysis, Lyapunov analysis, Cahn-Hilliard decomposition, and/or control and optimization theory for high-order PDEs.
   
  Applicants must demonstrate strong multitasking skills, ability to work efficiently both individually and as a member of a team, strong writing skills for publication of articles in top archival journals and a commitment to meeting deadlines sometimes requiring rapid turnaround.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations For Rapid Cooling of High Power Density Chips - Colloboration with NASA Ames Research Center and industrial partners

• Seeking graduate students with background and/or serious interest in the field of equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation. Project involves modeling and analysis of thermal transport and phonon dynamics across liquid/solid interfaces. Project incorporates a significant blend of fundamental physics with computational design of cutting edge technology focused on rapid cooling of high power density chips (e.g. Tensor Processing Units for artificial intelligence). Student must have strong background or interest in learning concepts and analytic tools based on statistical physics and stochastic phenomena.
   
  Applicants must demonstrate strong multitasking skills, ability to work efficiently both individually and as a member of a team, strong writing skills for publication of articles in top archival journals and a commitment to meeting deadlines sometimes requiring rapid turnaround.

Computational Studies of Micropropulsion Systems. Restricted to US citizens and permanent residents.

• Seeking graduate students with expertise and/or strong interest in hydrodynamic modeling and analysis to help develop computational toolbox for the design and operation of novel space micropropulsion systems. Project involves exciting blend of fundamental science focused on nonlinear spatiotemporal dynamics and cutting edge technological innovation. The scope of this program is fairly large and includes numerous avenues of investigation thereby providing participants with first hand experience of a rapidly evolving field. Projects also offer direct contact with technical personnel at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA and NASA Ames in Mountain View, CA.
   
  Applicants must demonstrate strong multitasking skills, ability to work efficiently both individually and as a member of a team, strong writing skills for publication of articles in top archival journals and a commitment to meeting deadlines that sometimes require rapid turnaround.

Experimental Design and Analysis

• Project involving development and fabrication of microscale components for micro-optical, photonic and biomimetic applications using thermal and electric field shape modulation of nanofilms. Demonstrated interest or previous experience with the following characterization and analysis tools is required: optical microscopy, laser interferometry, scanning white light interferometry, image analysis, Matlab programming, clean room microfabrication, spectral characterization of optical components, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.
• Project involving development, characterization and optimization of evanescent based microarrays for sensing applications. Previous experience or strong demonstrated interest in the following characterization and analysis tools is required: optical trapping techniques, evanescent field characterization, waveguide and spectral analysis, scanning interferometry, scanning electron microscopy, Matlab and/or Labview programming, clean room microfabrication, and atomic force microscopy.

General Requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of strong academic performance, strong work ethic, excellent writing and communication skills, and intention to pursue a professional career in scientific research. Opportunities provide an opportunity for working closely with the Principal Investigator and research collaborators to develop advanced problem solving skills in an environment which fosters creativity, depth and breadth. Candidates will enjoy access to modern computational and analysis tools as well as modern laboratory facilities and instrumentation.
 

• Postdoctoral Applicants
  
  At this time, we are restricting applications for postdoctoral positions to researchers with full fellowship support to cover all costs for two years.
  
  Postdoctoral applicants must provide evidence of a strong publication record, ability to work independently, and a commitment to launching new fields of study. Successful applicants are expected to outline a well defined program of study aligned with the research activities described above. Initial period of appointment to extend 12 months. Renewal possible based on level of accomplishment, availability of funding, and on-going operational needs. Applicants must have completed all requirements for their doctorate and received their PhD degree before the start of their appointment.
  
  For proper handling and routing of submissions, concatenate all application material below into a single PDF file and email to The SUBJECT line of the email must read LIS2T Postdoc Application. Only PDF files will be accepted.
  
  
  1. Cover letter describing areas of interest, skill set and project of interest listed above or proposed by applicant
  2. Curriculum vitae including complete publication list including working papers
  3. Contact information for 3 or more faculty familiar with applicant's work
  4. Copies of first author papers (no more than 4)
  5. Official copy of graduate and undergraduate transcripts.
  Please note that applications deemed incomplete will be rejected without review. Also, due to the large numbers of applications received, we can only reach out to those likely to meet our selection criteria.
• Graduate Student Applicants
  Caltech graduate students interested in research opportunities with {LIS²T} should contact Prof. Troian at for an appointment to discuss research interests, relevant background and available projects. Research activity will commence with a preliminary rotation assignment to ascertain skill set and project suitability.
  
  Students from other universities must be accepted to Caltech before joining {LIS²T}. Information regarding application procedures, academic requirements and deadlines at Caltech can be found at Graduate Admissions Information.
• Undergraduate Applicants
  We always enjoy working with Caltech junior and senior undergraduates. Interested students are encouraged to contact Prof. Troian for information regarding academic year or summer internship oppportunities.